Fertility

Rutu – It is the most fertile period governed by kapha. In terms of modern science, it is a well-developed proliferative phase accompanied with ovulation.

Kshetra – manusmruti describes the female as a field and male as a seed. The healthy undiseased condition of female genital tract is the second chief factor of conception.

Ambu – It is the liquid product produced for the diet & present in the form of rasa. In other words, it represents nutritional elements responsible for the growth of foetus.

Beeja – beeja includes stree beeja and pumsa-beeja that is ovum and sperm. The term “shuddha-shukra-shonita” stresses on healthiness of both rather than on their mere presence.

Definition of vandhya ( infertile women )

“A women who has lost her power of healthy menstruation or ovulation resulting onto the loss of fertility.”

Types of vandhya ( Infertility )

Balya – delayed puberty

Kakavandhya – one child sterility

Anapatya – primary sterility where the lady never conceives.

Garbhasravi – a case of repeated abortions.

Mrutavatsa – a case with still births.

Balakshaya – the power of fertility is lost due to dhatukshaya.

As crops do not grow if the seed is disordered, conception does not occur due to disorders of mother and father.

Disorders of factors of conception

Disorders of rutukala – proliferarive phase

Disorders of khsetra – Disorders of female genital tract and uterus.

Disorders of ambu

Disorders of beeja – ovum incapable of fertilization.

Disorders of physiology of conception

Disorders of maithuna ( intercourse )

Maithunasahatva ( dyspareunia )

Maithuna anichha ( psychological disorder causing frigidity )

Asamyak maithuna ( improper intercourse )

Shodhana Chikitsa

It is two fold

sarvadehika (for whole body)

sthanik (local)

Sarvadehik shodhana helps to regulate the physiology of body. Sthanika shodhana means medical or surgical curettage. Ayurvedic texts stress on medical curettage which helps to establish ‘ avyapanna yoni – garbhashaya’ that is healthy condition of genital tract. From modern point of view, this method may be indicated under following conditions.

Disorders in nidation.

Uterine hostility.

Anovulatory cycles.

2) Medicated ghee & oils

These preparations are used as a Balya. Since balya refers to a gain in the physiological strength. These could be indicated under following conditions

Atony of uterus

Underdeveloped uterus

3) Use of pittashamak drugs

The preparations are used to proper rutukala. In terms of modern science/ these preparations can be indicated in following conditions –

To regulate ovulation.

To increase the receptivity of uterus, cervix & vagina.

4) Basti

This method helps to remove local disorders. It can be used to serve following purposes.